Upstate Medical University


  • The Global Health Institute works to mitigate diseases threatening New York, our U.S. Service Members, and our global community.
    The Global Health Institute takes a total team approach to solving problems because we believe it is the only way to solve the tough ones.
    The Global Health Institute has benefitted from a supportive University, engaged CNY region, and highly talented professionals from our community.
    Dr. Stephen J. Thomas
    Director, Global Health Institute
Upstate Research Spotlight

Vaccine trial seeks to prevent a common, sometimes deadly, infection

Upstate is conducting a clinical trial of a vaccine to prevent an infection often found in hospitals and nursing homes, C. diff (Clostridioides difficile). Stephen Thomas, MD,ex more »

Upstate recruiting over 1,000 seniors for Clostridioides Difficile vaccine study

The Upstate Global Health Institute is looking for over 1,000 Central New Yorkers to participate in its largest clinical trial, testing a possible vaccine to prevent C. diff. more »

SUNY Upstate seeks small army of volunteers for vaccine study against common, deadly infection

Upstate Medical University is looking for 1,000 volunteers to test a vaccine against a deadly infection that primarily afflicts people in healthcare settings. more »
upstate global health-giving
Support the Institute

Our faculty and students are working hard to find solutions to many global health problems. You can finance a student's trip abroad to gain hands-on experience in the field, fund local community-based research and outreach projects, support service-learning opportunities, and more. Any amount can help, so please consider a gift.


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Michelle Klick, LPN, CCRP

Clinical Operations Lead

Michelle Klick is the Clinical Research Manager for the Upstate Global Health Institute. Her 20+ years of research experience has given her the skills to lead the research team through protocol development and execution across multiple phases of research. Michelle maintains a New York State Licensed Practical Nursing license and a SoCRA Certified Clinical Research Professionals certification.

She is a graduate of the 2017 Upstate Leadership Academy, where her capstone project centered on providing medical care to the refugee population in the Syracuse community. Her research career has spanned many clinical areas, including Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, Neurology and Oncology. She is passionate about training new research professionals and helping them find success in navigating the countless details of conducting a clinical trial. Michelle is co-chair of the SUNY Upstate Clinical Research Professionals Group. Michelle recently attended the National Council of University Research Administrators’ 20th Financial Research Conference to expand her knowledge on research finance. Outside of work, Michelle is a busy mom of 2 boys. She has volunteered for the past 9 years in their local scouting program and is a board member for the local Home School Association.